Patents Trademarks Law Guide, Resources & information

Patents grant an inventor the right to exclude others from producing or using the inventor's discovery or invention for a limited period of time.

Trademarks are generally distinctive symbols, pictures, or words that sellers affix to distinguish and identify the origin of their products. Trademark status may also be granted to distinctive and unique packaging, color combinations, building designs, product styles, and overall presentations. It is also possible to receive trademark status for identification that is not on its face distinct or unique but which has developed a secondary meaning over time that identifies it with the product or seller. The owner of a trademark has exclusive right to use it on the product it was intended to identify and often on related products. Service-marks receive the same legal protection as trademarks but are meant to distinguish services rather than products.

A copyright gives the owner the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, or license his work, also receives the exclusive right to produce or license derivatives of his or her work.

Know your rights and exercise them for a safe, better future.

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